Topic 3.14: Homeostasis in Organisms

These flashcards cover the key concepts of homeostasis, temperature regulation, and diabetes from the lecture notes on Organization and maintenance of the organism.

What is homeostasis?

Homeostasis refers to the maintenance of a constant internal environment in the body

What is a negative feedback loop?

A negative feedback loop is a control mechanism where a change in the body is detected and corrective mechanisms are activated to return conditions to a set point.

How do ectothermic animals regulate their body temperature?

Ectothermic animals regulate their body temperature by relying on external sources of heat, such as the sun or warm rocks.

What adaptations do some reptiles have for temperature regulation?

Some reptiles have melanin in their skin that changes its color to absorb or reflect heat based on temperature.

What is the role of insulin in blood glucose control?

Insulin, secreted by the pancreas, helps to lower blood glucose levels by prompting liver cells to convert excess glucose into glycogen.

What is the effect of sweating when body temperature is high?

When body temperature is high, arterioles supplying sweat glands dilate, leading to increased sweat production and greater heat loss through evaporation.

What happens during vasodilation?

During vasodilation, arterioles in the skin relax, allowing more blood to flow to the surface and increasing heat loss when the body is too warm.

What characterizes Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body destroys beta cells in the pancreas, leading to insufficient insulin production.

What are common symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus?

Common symptoms include extreme thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision.

What is the purpose of the practical activity on the rate of cooling of a warm body?

The purpose of the activity is to investigate the effects of surface area and insulation on the rate at which a warm body cools.

What is homeostasis?

Homeostasis refers to the maintenance of a constant internal environment around cells.

What is a negative feedback loop?

A negative feedback loop is a control mechanism where a change in the body is detected and corrective mechanisms are activated to return conditions to a set point.

How do ectothermic animals regulate their body temperature?

Ectothermic animals regulate their body temperature by relying on external sources of heat, such as the sun or warm rocks.

What adaptations do some reptiles have for temperature regulation?

Some reptiles have melanin in their skin that changes its color to absorb or reflect heat based on temperature.

What is the role of insulin in blood glucose control?

Insulin, secreted by the pancreas, helps to lower blood glucose levels by prompting liver cells to convert excess glucose into glycogen.

What is the effect of sweating when body temperature is high?

When body temperature is high, arterioles supplying sweat glands dilate, leading to increased sweat production and greater heat loss through evaporation.

What happens during vasodilation?

During vasodilation, arterioles in the skin relax, allowing more blood to flow to the surface and increasing heat loss when the body is too warm.

What characterizes Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body destroys beta cells in the pancreas, leading to insufficient insulin production.

What are common symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus?

Common symptoms include extreme thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision.

What is the purpose of the practical activity on the rate of cooling of a warm body?

The purpose of the activity is to investigate the effects of surface area and insulation on the rate at which a warm body cools.

What are endothermic animals?

Endothermic animals (e.g., mammals, birds) regulate their body temperature internally through metabolic processes to maintain a stable internal temperature.

What happens during vasoconstriction?

During vasoconstriction, arterioles in the skin constrict, reducing blood flow to the surface and minimizing heat loss when the body is too cold.

What is the role of glucagon in blood glucose control?

Glucagon, secreted by the pancreas, helps to raise blood glucose levels by stimulating liver cells to convert stored glycogen back into glucose.

How does shivering help regulate body temperature?

Shivering is a mechanism where muscles contract rapidly to generate heat, helping